Larnaca is experiencing unprecedented demand for hotels and tourist accommodations in early September due to two concerts by British singer Ed Sheeran.
Marios Polyviou, president of the Larnaca branch of PASYXE (Cyprus Hotel Association), told Phileleftheros that hotels are nearly fully booked for the September 7 and 8 concerts, part of Sheeran’s MATHEMATICS TOUR “+ – ÷ x” world tour.
“The concert is in September, and already, for the past two months, almost all hotels for those dates are fully booked. We anticipate that demand will further increase as we get closer to the event,” Polyviou said.
The concerts are expected to attract around 40,000 attendees to Cyprus, with tickets for the first show already sold out and the same expected for the second. Notably, thousands of ticket holders are reportedly from 42 countries, including Mexico and Japan. This influx of visitors is expected to extend their stay beyond the concerts, boosting the local economy during a traditionally slower tourist period.
Tonight’s concert by Sir Tom Jones is also anticipated to provide an economic boost, attracting 4,000-5,000 attendees, half of whom are international visitors staying in Larnaca hotels.
“There’s increased demand due to this concert as well, but not on the same scale as Ed Sheeran,” Polyviou noted.
Large-scale preparations, including a stage, grandstands, and designated parking areas, are underway at the Larnaca-Land of Tomorrow venue. Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras attributed the city’s selection to incentives offered by the Municipality and the financial benefits secured through the Larnaca Tourism Board.
Furthermore, Larnaca will host the AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) World Congress from July 21 to 27. This event, held outside the US for only the second time, marking 50 years since the Turkish invasion, is expected to attract 3,000 participants.
“It’s a benefit for Cyprus because it will bring personalities who may never have come otherwise,” said Polyviou, highlighting Larnaca’s recent development that allows the city to host such events.
These events contribute to a positive outlook for Larnaca’s tourist season. “We’re happy so far,” Polyviou said. “The challenge is to maintain or only slightly decrease numbers compared to last year.”
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